정방폭포 (Jeongbang Waterfall)

Orientation & Geography

Asia, Republic of Korea, Jeju-do

Jeongbang Waterfall is a famous waterfall on Jeju Island. The waterfall is 23 meters high and is very close to the ocean. According to some sources, Jeongbang Waterfall is the only waterfall in Asia that falls directly in the ocean, though this is not true. Located near Seogwipo, it is a popular tourist attraction. It is considered Yeongjusipgeong, one of the ten greatest scenic wonders of Jeju. A legend states that Emperor Jin of China sent a servant, Seo Bul, to fetch the magical herbs of eternal youth from Mount Halla. Though he failed to find the herb, he encountered Jeongbang Falls on the way and he left his autograph, Seobul Gwaji, on the cliff wall, where it no longer remains. The waterfall is one of the three famous waterfalls of Jeju, the other two being Cheonjiyeon Waterfall and Cheonjeyeon Waterfall. A smaller waterfall, Sojeongbang Waterfall is 300 m to the east.